Helping Marine Life in New Israeli Oil Spill

Referred to as one of the most major marine pollution events in decades, the oil spill that happened in Israel on February 16, 2021 devastated Israel’s bird, turtle, and marine population. The cause of the oil spill is still unknown, but it is suspected to have been a tanker bringing oil from Iran, which Environmental Protection agencies are referring to as “environmental terrorism.” It has now led to a multi-million dollar clean up on Israeli’s shores, which is now being predicted to take months or even years to clean up. Damaging 90% of Israel’s Mediterranean coastline, already 70 tons of tar have been collected off the coastline. Beaches have been closed and fishing and the sale of seafood in the area have been prohibited. Although many initiatives are underway to restore the beaches and contaminated waters. The Israeli government has already approved $13.8 million from their state fund for the “Prevention of Marine Pollution” to help the restoration. The Israeli Minister of Environmental Protection, The Prime Minister, and The director of Israel’s Nature and Parks Authority have already made hands on efforts in the port town of Ashdod to oversee the clean up initiative. This includes seeking justice for this environmental tragedy by investigating many ships suspected to be guilty of causing this devastation. The ships that are under investigation include Greek ship the “Minerva Helen,” Panama-flagged tanker "The Emerald" and pirate ships owned by Iranian and Libyan companies, among others. It is still unknown to what extent the guilty parties will be reprimanded, their criminal liability, and how the perpetrators, or their insurers will repay the damages. Although many agencies are working diligently to seek and implement justice measures for these potential environmental crimes.